Skiing at Crystal Mountain

Crystal Mountain is a world class ski resort, rated by SKIING magazine as the #7 ski resort in North America. Experienced skiers are drawn to the expert runs comprising nearly half of the terrain and the 1,000 acres of skiable backcountry areas.

Road Conditions

Second Mt. Rainier Road Receives National Scenic Byway Designation

DATE: 10/22/09

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE-_-_MEDIA CONTACT:-_Carol Zahorsky -_Public Relations for Visit Rainier-_360.446.3645-_[email protected]_-_White Pass Scenic Byway joins Chinook Scenic Byway as among the most scenic drives in the United States

MT. RAINIER, Wash. – October 22, 2009 – While Mt. Rainier trails are renowned, Mt. Rainier’s roads are getting their own recognition. The White Pass Scenic Byway (Hwy. 12) has just been designated a National Scenic Byway by the National Scenic Byway Foundation, joining the existing Chinook Scenic Byway, which provides access to the Mt. Rainier region on the north and east sides. The announcement was made on Oct. 16, 2009.

One of only seven national scenic byways in Washington, the White Pass Scenic Byway runs along the south side of the Mt. Rainier region, from Mary’s Corner in Lewis County to Naches in Yakima County. Much of the byway is on Gifford Pinchot National Forest and Wenatchee National Forest land.

he location between three major mountain peaks — Mt. Adams, Mt. Rainier and Mt. St. Helens – distinguishes this byway as one with unique character and prominence, commented Maree Lerchen, President, White Pass Scenic Byway. The diverse landscape, from the lakes district to river valleys into the foothills and alpine Cascade Mountains climate to the arid steppe of Eastern Washington, provides a cross section of Washington state geography and geology.

With the singular 14,411-foot summit of Mt. Rainier as its focal point, the Mt. Rainier region offers world-class recreation and mountain vacation opportunities in secluded alpine settings, year round. Visitors are drawn to its spectacular scenic vistas and varied terrain — preserved by one of the nation’s original five national parks and surrounding wilderness areas. For destination information and scenic byway driving tours, please access visitrainier.com.

Event Details

Event Details

The magic of THE POLAR EXPRESS™ comes to life in Elbe, Washington. This story of a child’s Christmas Eve journey comes alive on-board THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride. All ages can enjoy the warmth and fun of the Christmas season as you depart for a trip to the North Pole.

THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride, like the movie, is a 90-minute roundtrip immersive theatrical experience. Passengers will be entertained by Chefs, enjoy Hot Chocolate and Cookies, and listen to a reading of THE POLAR EXPRESS™. Upon arrival at the North Pole, Santa will board the train and give each child the first gift of Christmas (a silver bell). This event will surely become an annual tradition for the whole family. Families are encouraged to wear their pajamas for the ride and join in on the magic of Christmas!

All tickets are for reserved seats, allowing your party to select their configuration of seats together. All of our coaches are heated. Restrooms are available at the train depot, with limited restrooms available on the train. Standard Class train coaches are Tacoma Rail cars representative of the 1950’s era Amtrak passengers cars with comfortable front-facing upholstered seats in paired rows. First Class vintage Olympian Hiawatha cars feature table-and-chair configuration, which allows for parties of 4 to sit facing each other. In Standard Class, hot chocolate is served with a cookie, the cocoa is in a disposable mug. First Class includes a collector’s edition souvenir mug with your hot chocolate and cookie. The mug is exclusively available to First Class passengers and cannot be found in stores.